Hiking in Andorra: A Guide for Getting Outside

The great thing about hiking is that almost anyone can enjoy it, in almost any part of the world. This approachable, favourite summer activity benefits from some careful planning to ensure that every hike is an excellent one. Especially when heading out in the mountains, it’s important to know where you’re going and what you need to bring with you, which is why we’ve created a guide to hiking in Andorra.

Andorra is a superb setting for some of Europe’s best hiking — the combination of pleasant temperatures and stunning vistas is almost unrivalled. Whether down in the valleys where trails tend to be easy or up in the mountains where there is more of a challenge for the seasoned hiker, Andorra is a prime hiking destination.

Our guide to hiking in Andorra will help plan a memorable hiking itinerary with Apartaments Sant Moritz as your base.

The Advantages of Hiking in Andorra

For outdoor activities, Andorra is an ideal destination. Those that live in Andorra regularly rank hiking as one of their favourite pass times. It’s no wonder why.

Even though fewer than 80,000 people live in Andorra, about 10 million tourists visit every year — many of them for a pleasant, mountainside break from city life. Consider including hiking in your vacation plans because:

Andorra gets, on average, 300 days of sunshine, and the high elevation means the humidity is low and summer days tend to be slightly cooler than other nearby destinations.

Outdoor exercise can reduce the effects of jet lag. Getting outside, in the sunshine, soon after arriving in a new time zone helps your body set its rhythms to a new clock.

Hiking allows you to immerse yourself in new surroundings and move at a pace that your curiosity can keep up with.

With the 300-km trail network, a good chunk of Andorra is accessible to hikers.

Especially on more challenging mountain trails, hiking offers a chance to stay in shape while vacationing.

With almost no environmental impact, hiking is one of the greenest ways to get around while travelling.

With distracting views that will hold attention and trails for all abilities (including children), Andorra is a whole-family hiking destination. Image: Vallnord.

Practical Considerations for Hiking in Andorra

Similar to mountain biking in Andorra, the season for hiking in Andorra runs from April to October, depending on the weather in a particular year.

Especially in the spring and fall, hikers can experience a wide range of weather in one day out on the trails. Keep this — and the effect elevation will have on temperature — in mind and pack lots of layers. Visit Andorra recommends only doing the hiking routes that are above 1,700 metres between the end of June and the end of September.

Even Andorra la Vella, the principality’s biggest city, is nestled right at the foot of several mountains.

Andorra is pretty much all mountains (average elevation is about 2,000 metres above sea level) so hiking trails are abundant. A few can be quite challenging; pick one that matches your level of experience and fitness.

Keep safety in mind before and during your Andorran hike. In case of an emergency that requires you to send your location to rescuers, it’s a good idea to download the Alpify app to your phone before setting out.

It’s not just mountains and valleys that you can see from hiking trails in Andorra – many pass by centuries-old buildings.

A truly adventurous Andorran hiking excursion could include an overnight stay in one of the shelters that make up Andorra’s extensive mountain refuge network. While some are modest huts, others are guarded and housed in converted bordas — the iconic stone barns of Andorra.

For equipment, Esports Sant Moritz sells some of what you’ll need for a trekking adventure. Viladomat, Intersport and several other stores in Andorra la Vella are also good sources for packs, poles, boots, and other hiking necessities.

Sites and Starting Points for Hiking in Andorra

Andorra is divided into seven parishes that group, roughly, into three areas: northwest, northeast, and south.

In the southern area, Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany, Sant Julià de Lòria — all under 30 minutes by car from Sant Moritz — are excellent places for joining one of the many hiking trails. The Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley makes up one-tenth of the principality and the surrounding park (with its own UNESCO designation) offers characteristic mountain views and interpretive walks.

Western Andorra has La Massana and Ordino as bases for hikes in this part of the country. Itineraries could include visiting the lush Sorteny Valley with its educational nature parks. As well, Coma Pedrosa is the tallest peak in Andorra and offers an inviting challenge to experienced and skilled hikers.

The chance to see mountain lakes at such a high elevation is a rare opportunity and the Tristaina Lakes region is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Andorra. Image: Vallnord.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Ordino’s Tristaina Lakes are one of the most popular and accessible hiking destinations in Andorra. Trails here are easily reached from the road and, especially the ones that run close to the edge of the lakes, can be suitable for beginner hikers and veterans who want an easier warm up.

Encamp and Canillo are two good starting points in eastern Andorra. Venture this way to see the glacial lakes in the Incles Valley. While there are many trails to explore in the area, the Cabana Sorda Lake Trail is one of the best reviewed in Andorra and, as well as a moderately difficult hike and the scenic views, it offers the opportunity to bathe in the waterfall and lake as an end goal.

Via Ferrata: Combining Hiking with Climbing

Via ferrata combine hiking and climbing for the more adventurous. Metal rungs make the cliff-scaling part a bit easier and wire bridges allow hikers to cross spans safely. Andorra is one of the only places in Europe that offers free access to their via ferrata that are spread all over the country. For safety’s sake, you’ll need to use a full set of rock-climbing gear, including a helmet and harness.

Via Ferrata like this one at Roc d’Esquers make it possible for hikers to mix in a bit of rock climbing. Image: EliziR(CC BY-SA 3.0).

Near Canillo, Via Ferrata Roc del Quer is one of the most popular examples in Andorra, taking hikers to the popular lookout of the same name. As is common for this type of activity, an intermediate level of fitness is recommended for the route, but it is definitely not just for athletes.

Resources for More Information About Hiking in Andorra

There are plenty of additional resources with helpful information about hiking in Andorra:

Dig into this informative blog post from All Andorra that gets into specific details like the differences between the long-distance routes.

And if all the planning seems like a bit too much, there is always the option of going with a guide for your Andorra hiking vacation.

Seeing a glacier-fed lake is one of best selling features for any hiking vacation to Andorra.

Highlights of a Hiking Trip at Apartaments Sant Moritz

While still relatively undiscovered, Andorra attracts many who are looking for a hiking vacation. If you’re someone who enjoys sunshine and fresh air on your holidays, but can’t imagine sitting still on a beach for a week, hiking in Andorra might be for you. The main reasons for choosing to visit us are that:

Andorra has a sunny and warm climate, in the summer at least, that is ideal for hiking excursions.

All parts of Andorra offer hiking trail options that range from beginner to advanced and Sant Moritz is conveniently located in the centre of the action.

Hiking is a relaxing and environmentally-friendly way of getting to know Andorra and take in its stunning scenery.

Hiking is a relatively low equipment activity, but we can still help you find the right boots or pack for your hiking treks. Our staff loves getting outdoors just as much as our guests — and we’re always happy to help you plan your hiking excursions.